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Accurate scientific information is the essential foundation of nutritional communication - but accuracy alone is insufficient. For bivalve molluscs aquaculture professionals communicating to families, young adults, health-conscious consumers, or citizens with no background in food science, the translation of technical content into accessible language is as important as the content itself. Several evidence-based principles guide this translation (Kaimakoudi, 2024):

➔Lead with benefits, not mechanisms: rather than 'bivalves contain EPA and DHA', say 'eating mussels twice a week supports heart health and brain function'.

The audience wants to know what the product does for them, not how it works biochemically. The mechanism can follow as a secondary layer for those who want to go deeper.

➔Anchor to reference points: Comparing the nutrient content of bivalves to familiar foods (beef, chicken, salmon, eggs) makes the data meaningful. “A 100 g serving of oysters contains more zinc than a sirloin steak and more omega-3 than most supermarket fish” is more communicative than a nutrient table alone.

➔Avoid sensationalism and overclaiming: phrases like 'superfood' or 'miracle nutrient' trigger scepticism, especially among educated consumers. The research literature supports precise, substantiated claims: bivalves are 'a rich natural source of EPA and DHA' or 'one of the most nutrient-dense low-calorie protein sources available' — these are accurate and differentiating without overstating.

➔Use visual formats to carry data: infographics, comparison charts, and packaging icons communicate nutritional information faster and more memorably than text. Research in communication science confirms that infographic video formats generate higher audience engagement and transportation than purely narrative formats for health and environmental topics (Yang et al., 2022).

➔Audience segmentation: families with young children respond to messages about iron and brain development; older adults respond to cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory benefits; athletes respond to protein bioavailability and recovery. The same nutritional truth is communicated differently to different segments.

A practical exercise for aquaculture professionals is to take a peer-reviewed nutrition claim and produce three versions: one for a scientific poster, one for a restaurant menu insert, and one for a social media caption. This exercise makes visible the gap between scientific language and consumer-facing language and builds the translation skill systematically.

It is worth noting that consumer trust in nutritional claims from producers is generally lower than trust in claims from independent health authorities or certified third parties. Wherever possible, citing health authority endorsements (EFSA, national dietary guidelines) or directing consumers to independent sources strengthens credibility.